Even
though I have never attempted to build a model covered with microfilm, it is easy to appreciate what a delicate task properly
preparing the solution, covering the frame, and handling the delicate airframe is, along with the precision handling required
to obtain the correct film thickness and coverage. There have probably been improvements in microfilm solutions and airframe
materials and gluing techniques, but ultimately you need to form the film on the wing, tail, and propeller surfaces., so
this article should still be useful for contemporary indoor flyers.

Last month, the Bandersnap, a low-ceiling contest-type model was presented by the author. Here he shows the art of covering
it.

A number of excellent indoor model designs have been published in the last ten years.
Unfortunately, many modelers who thought it would be fun to try building such a model have come to grief when attempting
to make microfilm, or they have given up in despair when, after finally managing to pour some microfilm, covering the model
resulted in disaster.

Such discouragements are a real shame because building an indoor model is not the difficult thing many people imagine
it to be. It's merely a matter of mastering a few simple techniques! The problem is that, while many excellent designs are
available, no major magazine recently has run comprehensive articles on the techniques of building and covering indoor models.
An excellent series by Joe Bilgri appeared back in 1960, but ten years is a long time and this information bears repeating.

Microfilm is a thin lightweight plastic film used to cover indoor models. Unlike the Japanese tissue, silkspan, etc.,
used for outdoor models, it is not available in the local hobby shop. The builder has to make it himself and this is where
the fun begins!

Microfilm solution is made from a nitrocellulose base (guncotton) dissolved in a mixture of various solvents, with plasticizers
added to give the desired qualities. The solution has the consistency, appearance and smell of clear nitrate dope.

Snark Mk II FAI model is off on a record flight. It has regularly exceeded 20 min. under less than 20-ft.
ceilings and set five national records. Note its intricate wing ribs and bracing. These features permit construction with
superlight and ultra-thin balsa.

The Bandersnap in flight. For full-size plans, see pages 36-37, January 1971 AAM.

Briefly, microfilm is made by pouring a small amount of microfilm solution onto the surface of the tank of water from
just above that surface. The solution spreads like an oil slick and then dries, leaving a thin film of plastic, known as
microfilm, floating on the water.

After several minutes, a wet balsa frame is laid on the floating microfilm and the excess film is folded over the edges
of the frame. The frame of film is now ready to be lifted by gliding it across the water toward one side of the tank. The
leading edge of the frame is lifted slightly and air breaks the suction between the film and the water at this edge. As
the frame moves forward and its leading edge is lifted higher, the finished frame of microfilm literally glides free of
the water. Drain off excess water and set the frame aside to dry. The photos and diagrams should make the whole process
clear. Microfilm tank construction is easy. A simple rectangular frame is made from four 1 x 2" boards (approximately 3/4
x 1 1/2" in cross section) two each cut to the desired width and length of the tank. Set this frame on top of a table or
workbench and layover it a sheet of vinyl or polyethylene plastic (available at any dime store) several inches larger than
the frame in all directions. This makes a complete microfilm tank with the plastic as a waterproof liner. Pour water in
the tank to a depth of one half inch and allow at least a half hour for the water temperature to stabilize before pouring
film.

Tank size is determined by the size of the frames of film needed. In general, the tank should be 18 in. to two ft. longer
and wider than the largest frame. Thus, to pour 20-in. frames of film (such as are needed to cover last month's Bandersnap)
, build a tank about 38 x 30". When determining tank size, remember that better film is made in a large tank than in one
that is a little too small.

My microfilm tank is a 3 x 4' sheet of 1/2" plywood, with 1 x 2" boards nailed to its edges. While this tank is more
elaborate than necessary, it is convenient because I can set it up on a table with dimensions slightly smaller than those
of the tank. This tank is used to pour frames up to 30 in. long. A 3 1/2 x 5' tank will take frames large enough to cover
even the largest indoor models.

Microfilm frames are made from 1/4 x 1/2" balsa strips, with the corners reinforced as shown. My standard microfilm frames
are 12 in. wide by at least two in. longer than the span of the longest wing I plan to cover.

For pouring microfilm, an ordinary spoon is an excellent device. The thickness of the film is governed mainly by the
amount of microfilm solution used. The more solution used, the thicker the film. Using less solution makes thinner film.

After successfully pouring the first frames,
notice that the microfilm, when held in front of a light at the right angle, shows colors because it is thin like a soap
bubble! This important characteristic permits the modeler to judge the microfilm's relative thickness and strength by its
color. Silver and gold are the thinnest film, while blue, red and green film are progressively thicker (and stronger). The
beginner should use relatively thick microfilm (blue to green) which is easier to handle.

If it is difficult to lift those first frames of microfilm from the tank, it may be that not enough microfilm solution
was used and the film is too thin and weak. Use more solution on the next pour and the thicker film should lift easily.
Sometimes dry (nonsticky) film will slip off the frames. In this case, coating the frames with rubber cement should solve
the problem.

It's good practice to make enough microfilm to cover several models before starting to build. It can be stored in a spare
model box or cabinet until needed. After several weeks the film should go slack (loose) on the frames and be ready for covering
a model by the techniques outlined below and illustrated in the photographs.

If, when needed for covering, the microfilm is still tight on the frame, it can be made to go slack by stretching the
film. Light the gas on the front burner of the kitchen stove and hold the frame (moving it back and forth) in the rising
column of warm air, about 18 to 24 in. above the heat source. The film will stretch and billow up, so remove the frame from
the heat quickly and it will be ready to use. This is a variation of a technique outlined in Joe Bilgri's indoor articles.

Fig. 1 - Start pouring microfilm solution at A, moving hand across surface of tank at a uniform rate.
Pouring is finished at B. Solution spreads across surface of water like an oil slick to form microfilm (shaded area) shown
at moment pour is finished at B.

Fig. 2 - Solution finishes spreading to form an oval of microfilm on the surface of the tank. After the
microfilm has dried for several minutes, a wet microfilm frame is placed on the film.

Fig. 3 The microfilm frame is now floated to within two inches of each side of the tank. This gathers
film outside the frame close to edges of the frame. This excess film can easily be folded over the edges of the frame as
indicated by C. When this process is completed, the film is ready to be lifted from the tank.

D - To remove wing from film, use either brush dipped in acetone or a hot wire to cut material. Whole
wing is done at one time.

E - Finished job is beautiful, but fragile. Refer to last month's article on the Bandersnap to complete
the model.

Caution: If the film is held too close to the burner it goes poof and nothing is left but an empty frame!

The simple covering process takes three steps. (1) The wing (or stab, etc.) is laid upside down on a frame of slick microfilm.

(2) The wing (or other part) outline is wet carefully, a few drops at a time, with a brush dipped in tap water. Moisture
causes the film to stick to the wood.

(3) After the wing (etc.) is partly dried, a hot wire or a soft, pointed brush dipped in acetone is used to cut the wing
free of the frame. When using the brush, take care to use just enough acetone to cut the film. Too wet an acetone brush
may make holes in the covering.

One important technique is patching holes. Despite several years of building experience, I seldom complete a model without
punching at least one or two holes in the film. If Bill Bigge hadn't shown me how to make patching material, my first indoor
model might never have been airborne.

Microfilm patching material is made as follows. A sheet of Japanese tissue is laid on the building board. Over this is
placed a frame of microfilm which is then covered with another sheet of tissue. Cut around the inside edge of the frame
with a sharp blade and lift frame and excess paper clear. What is left is a large sheet of patching material, a sandwich
of microfilm between two sheets of paper. It is easy to cut with a pair of scissors to any size or shape needed.

Cut a patch and separate the two sheets of paper. The film will stick to one piece of paper. Before mending, apply just
a few droplets of water with a soft, pointed brush around the edge of the hole or the patch. This will help the film to
stick. Lay the patch, microfilm to film, over the hole and pat the mend between two fingers until film adheres to film.
Carefully peel the tissue free and the model is ready to fly.

Hopefully this article will help the beginner avoid common pitfalls. Other information and assistance is available from
a number of sources. The Joe Bilgri articles are an invaluable investment for indoor model builders. Reprints are available
from Bud Tenny, Box 545 Richardson, Texas 75080.

At the same time, join NIMAS (National Indoor Model Airplane Society). Its monthly bulletin, "Indoor News and Views,"
is chock-full of data on indoor modeling - the latest designs, building techniques, and where indoor models are being flown.
Membership is three dollars. Again, contact Bud Tenny.

NIMAS is also organizing a group of indoor instructors across the country. For their addresses. send a letter and a stamped,
self-addressed envelope to Roger Schroeder, 4111 W. 98 St., Overland Park, Kansas. If you have any other questions, please
write me in care of AAM.

A - To hold film to the frame, carefully fold excess material over frame edges. Must be no breaks or
open areas inside.

B - Lifting is ticklish, to say the least. Actually, the frame is glided off. Slide it to one edge of
pond and lift free edge slowly.

C - Covering process begins with wing on the film. Use a soft brush dipped in water to wet all contacting
woodwork, ribs too.